I woke up this morning, opened the blinds and saw a gray sky. My first thought was, "bummer, dreary day." As my husband and I got ready for work, the snow started to fall and I immediately felt a sense of relief come over my body. I even broke into a little dance. As I was dancing, Matt was laughing at me and cheering me on. Looking out at the snow, the sky releasing ice crystals, I felt a sense of release myself. Thank you, beautiful sky.
Nature holds various mysteries and movement forms that, if we let them, can play with our emotions, alter our feelings and open our spirits. And inspire a sense of spiral, twist and fluidity in the body. Movement forms inherent in nature are also inherent in our own bodies. Even our bones, which we often may think of as solid and linear, are full of spirals, curves and intricate designs. It is challenging to relate to nature and our bodies in this way because we are so busy with our lives and it might feel a little strange to think about how we might relate to the branch of a tree.
Not to be too esoteric or abstract, try this:
Look out of your window, or step outside
What do you see? snow falling, a bird perched on a tree branch, a small leaf shriveled up on a branch.
What do you feel? Is the air cool, warm, breezy?
What sensation comes over you as you either look outside or step outside?
Now, just be there for a moment.
Breathe in and breathe out
Let your heart float to the front of your chest
Feel your shoulders glide down your back
Claim your space and know that you belong there
Find a branch or a twig, observe its shape and texture--you don't have to be close, you can see it from far away. As I write, I am looking out of my window at the branches of a tree, swirling around each other. I can't see the entire tree, but it appears that there are two trees meeting somewhere in the middle. They weave in and out of each other. There are lots of tiny branches sticking out. Sharp lines reveal a more fluid shape, as I look at the bigger picture of these trees tangling around one another.
Despite occupying the same space, they are able to negotiate that space and make a beautiful and peaceful pattern in order to prosper and grow. I see the curvature of each branch and how when something is in its path, it changes its course slightly, but refuses to stop growing. A course may change, but it does not end.
When you move your body, when you interact with other people, when you meet a challenge in your relationships, find a piece of nature. Know that you can be strong and soft at the same time. Know that nothing is perfect. Know that you are on a path that changes course, often unexpectedly, but there is reassurance in the possibility for change and growth.
Nature holds various mysteries and movement forms that, if we let them, can play with our emotions, alter our feelings and open our spirits. And inspire a sense of spiral, twist and fluidity in the body. Movement forms inherent in nature are also inherent in our own bodies. Even our bones, which we often may think of as solid and linear, are full of spirals, curves and intricate designs. It is challenging to relate to nature and our bodies in this way because we are so busy with our lives and it might feel a little strange to think about how we might relate to the branch of a tree.
Not to be too esoteric or abstract, try this:
Look out of your window, or step outside
What do you see? snow falling, a bird perched on a tree branch, a small leaf shriveled up on a branch.
What do you feel? Is the air cool, warm, breezy?
What sensation comes over you as you either look outside or step outside?
Now, just be there for a moment.
Breathe in and breathe out
Let your heart float to the front of your chest
Feel your shoulders glide down your back
Claim your space and know that you belong there
Find a branch or a twig, observe its shape and texture--you don't have to be close, you can see it from far away. As I write, I am looking out of my window at the branches of a tree, swirling around each other. I can't see the entire tree, but it appears that there are two trees meeting somewhere in the middle. They weave in and out of each other. There are lots of tiny branches sticking out. Sharp lines reveal a more fluid shape, as I look at the bigger picture of these trees tangling around one another.
Despite occupying the same space, they are able to negotiate that space and make a beautiful and peaceful pattern in order to prosper and grow. I see the curvature of each branch and how when something is in its path, it changes its course slightly, but refuses to stop growing. A course may change, but it does not end.
When you move your body, when you interact with other people, when you meet a challenge in your relationships, find a piece of nature. Know that you can be strong and soft at the same time. Know that nothing is perfect. Know that you are on a path that changes course, often unexpectedly, but there is reassurance in the possibility for change and growth.
This is a picture of the hyoid bone. It sits between your chin and your thyroid. It is the only bone in the human skeleton not articulated to any other bone. The shapes and lines remind me of the delicate branches I see outside this morning. Imagine it floating above the center of your organ systems. Feel it suspended underneath your chin, in that soft place. Allow it to open and relax your jaw and support your head and neck. Notice the delicate shapes, curving lines, angles and mysterious shapes.
Yours in Motion,
Laura
